@Farmington 4.5.24

April 5, 2024

Kirsten Gentry Named FPS 2023/2024 High School Teacher of the Year

Kirsten Gentry was nominated as High School Teacher of the Year by her colleagues, students, and FPS parents for her exceptional commitment to provide the best possible education for students and her dedication to being a strong advocate for her colleagues.

Gentry teaches 9th grade Biology, 10th and 11th grade AP Biology, and 10th, 11th, and 12th grade Anatomy at Farmington High School (FHS). She earned her Bachelors of Science in Biology from Michigan State University and her Masters in Arts of Teaching from Marygrove College. She has been teaching for more than 20 years in various science-related subjects such as Biology, Anatomy, and Physiology.

Gentry prides herself on making sure her students are successful. She is constantly evolving her teaching practices to better serve her students. Gentry strives to create engaging and interactive lessons for her students so they can fully understand the content. Her students

experience high levels of peer-to-peer engagement, teacher-to-student engagement, and student-to-content engagement. She also has strong relationships with counselors and social workers in the building so she can work collaboratively with them to best serve students.

Gentry sets high expectations for her students to succeed and helps them achieve their goals every step of the way. You can often find that Gentry comes in early, stays late, and gives up her lunches to help support her students. Additionally, her dedication to students' success goes beyond academics. She is a role model who demonstrates values of resilience, integrity, and empathy.

Not only does she promote success in her classroom, Gentry has always been active in extracurriculars as well. Gentry was the varsity cheerleading coach for many years, followed by being the assistant track coach. She has been a class sponsor numerous times, and has spent time overseeing student groups such as Student Council and has been a Link Leader sponsor for many years. Additionally, she taught leadership classes to help student leaders grow during their time at FHS.

“Any student at Farmington High School that has had Mrs. Gentry as a science teacher knows that she puts in a great amount of dedication and hard work to set up her students for success,” said Sarah Weber, a former student of Gentry. “In addition to academic success, Mrs. Gentry also helped me shape my love for the sciences into a future career path. In almost every unit she taught, I remember her mentioning how the content we just learned applies to the modern STEM world. For example, after learning about DNA transformation, Mrs. Gentry gave us information about the growing field of genetic engineering. Coming out of her class, I felt pretty confident about majoring in biochemistry.”

Among her colleagues, Gentry is beyond admired. She serves as her building union representative and strongly advocates for the teachers in her building. She is respected by colleagues across departments for her work ethic and commitment to students and the needs of her colleagues. She serves as a mentor to many of her colleagues, especially new teachers.

Over the years, she has worked closely with building and District leadership teams to develop, implement, and adjust many science curriculums through the years. Her dedication, passion, and drive is exactly why Kirsten Gentry was named the FPS 2023/2024 High School Teacher of the Year.

Cheryl Dalton Named FPS 2023/2024 Middle School Teacher of the Year

Cheryl Dalton was nominated as Middle School Teacher of the Year by her colleagues, students, and FPS parents for her engaging, approachable, and relationship building skills in the classroom.

Dalton teaches 6th grade ELA and Social Studies at Warner Middle School. She earned her Bachelors of Arts in Education from The University of Michigan and her Master of Arts in Reading and Language Arts from Oakland University. She has spent her entire teaching career with FPS in the Warner Middle School Building and has been teaching middle schoolers for more than 25 years.

Every day, students are excited to walk into Dalton’s classroom. Her students know that they can expect something great planned for the day as she makes her lessons come alive. Her students love learning in her classroom for that reason.

What sets Dalton apart from others is that she differentiates instruction every day, every hour, in every one of her classes, She knows her students inside and out, and will use a variety of methods of teaching tailored to that specific group of students. Dalton uses practices ranging from video, engaging text, conversations, hands-on learning, and even movement around the classroom and entire middle school building.

“Mrs. Dalton could tell you each student’s learning style and love language because she knows them each so well,” said colleague Jennifer Lilienthal. “She pushes her students to work beyond what they think they are capable of, all while creating an environment that is safe, warm, and invites learning.”

Dalton’s classroom environment is positive, and a safe space for students. She strives to make her classroom inclusive for all. She consciously makes an effort to include all students in every single lesson. She makes it a point to connect the curriculum to students’ personal lives which keeps students engaged and wanting to learn. She shares her passion for history and reading with her students and inspires them to follow their own passions.

“I love to do creative writing and Mrs. Dalton was always there to help me whenever I needed help, even though it was not part of her class assignments,” said Savannah Sowers, a former student of Dalton’s. “She helped me develop my love of writing and she even helped me the following year when I was in seventh grade and my short story was even published.”

Not only does Dalton make her students feel seen and heard, she does the same for parents as well. Dalton is very intentional about communicating with parents and is aware of conversations that need to take place whether that is at an open house, conferences, sending emails or postcards home, and more. She engages with parents in the stance of support.

“Every single parent that interacts with her loves her because their child loves her,” said Jennifer Lilienthal. “There is a mutual trust and understanding with each family at Warner and Mrs. Dalton.”

Dalton is favored among her colleagues. Throughout the year, there may be teammate changes in the building due to staffing changes. During these times, all of the other teachers want to work with her and they can immediately see what a great leader and mentor she is. For this teacher of the year nomination, several current and retired teachers wrote statements of support for Dalton because she is valued and loved in the Warner community.

Dalton radiates warm and positive energy. She has the utmost consideration for her students. She attends every meeting and activity during the day that involves her students, even when it is supposed to be her break time. To many, she is a joy to watch and work alongside every day, which is why she was named the FPS 2023/2024 Middle School Teacher of the Year.

Geralyn Schade Named FPS 2023/2024 Elementary School Teacher of the Year

Geralyn Schade was nominated as Elementary School Teacher of the Year by her colleagues, students, and FPS parents for her warm and nurturing nature, and her ability to motivate her students.

Schade currently works in the Gill Elementary School Resource Room. She earned her Bachelors of Arts in Elementary/Special Education from Michigan State University. She then earned her Master of Arts in Special Education for the Emotionally Impaired from Western Michigan University. Since then Schade has been dedicated to helping children.

In the classroom, Schade has the ability to make learning fun and interactive, ensuring that each of her students feel valued and involved. Her classroom is a safe space for students where they feel comfortable to take risks, be themselves, and evolve as learners.

Schade goes above and beyond to create a dynamic and inclusive classroom environment where all students feel comfortable and excited to participate. In her role as a resource room teacher, she looks for ways to best reach each student and help them achieve their personalized goals. She closely monitors progress to adjust her strategies as needed to make sure the students are moving in the right direction.

Schade often works with students in crisis or distress. With this, Schade has a natural calmness to her that translates to her classroom, students, and crisis situations. She is viewed as a safe space for so many students throughout the elementary building. She has the ability to set firm boundaries while instilling a mutual sense of respect that allows her students to thrive.

Not only does Schade strive to help her students, but she also is a team player and a trusted colleague to everyone in her building. She encourages risk taking and partners with general education teachers to analyze data, innovate instruction, and create strategic plans to achieve student and teacher success. She pushes her colleagues to think outside the box. Her peers often ask her opinion and seek her expertise to advance their personal learning.

On top of being an exceptional teacher, Schade exhibits exceptional leadership skills that extend beyond the classroom. She is currently a member of the Crisis team, a member of the MTSS team, a member of the building team, and a member of the One School, One Book (March is Reading Month) team.

It’s no secret that Schade is favored among her students and her colleagues. But, she is also a favorite amongst parents. She regularly makes phone calls to comfort and console worried or concerned parents, as well as to celebrate student success. She takes the time to stop and make sure that families feel heard and represented.

“We all have had that one teacher, the one we remember the most, the one that took extra interest in us, was extra kind and supportive,” said Laura Sroka, FPS parent. “Perhaps, pushed us to be our better selves, even if we didn’t appreciate it at the time. The one that made

a difference. I remember mine, I bet you remember yours too. Geralyn Schade is that kind of teacher, and for my son and my family, she made all the difference.”

Schade has a strong, deep connection to education and meeting the needs of all of her students, regardless of what challenges lie in the way. She is not afraid to advocate for what is right, test the boundaries to get results, and ensure all of her students feel loved and understood. For all of these reasons, she was named the FPS 2023/2024 Elementary School Teacher of the Year.

“Gerri gives 100% each day to foster a culture of excellence and encourages her students to reach their full potential,” said colleague Renee Moreau-Decator. “She demonstrates kindness and empathy on a daily basis and always has a warm smile to share. She is always willing to lend a helping hand with school activities, and go above and beyond to support the Gill community. She is truly a gift and a valued member of our school.”

As Elementary Teacher of the Year, Schade was awarded $2,500 from The Suburban Collection. She is also in the running for a lease of a brand new car. The Suburban Collection will invite all their partnering schools teacher of the year winners to a dinner where the winner of the two-year car lease will be announced.

Farmington Public Schools names Sarah Kerns the 2023/2024 Support Person of the Year Award Winner

On March 20, 2024, Farmington Public Schools’ (FPS) Superintendent Dr. Christopher Delgado, along with the Human Resources Department, the Farmington Early Childhood Center principal and staff, surprised Sarah Kerns, Office Clerk at the Farmington Early Childhood Center (FECC), with the award for the 2023/2024 Farmington Public Schools’ Support Person of the Year.

Kerns has been at FECC for the past seven years where she has dedicated herself to their program, their students, their parents, and her fellow staff members. She is known to parents as a positive support person they know they can reach out to regarding anything. She comes to work every day with a “how can I help our families” attitude.

Sarah goes above and beyond for staff and families without hesitation. During her time at FPS, she has become extremely knowledgeable in all areas of her position, plus so much more. For example, she understands that the enrollment and tuition process can be complicated, but she ensures that more than 300 students are placed in classes correctly. Additionally, due to another staff member being out on leave, Sarah has taken over lunch orders for the FECC grant program, and supports the bus drivers by having a list of students who are on the bus prepared for them each day. These are just a few of many examples of how Sarah goes above and beyond to ensure the day goes smoothly.

“Sarah has been my partner for so many things,” said Kirsten Cicchella, FECC Supervisor. She attends every night event FECC has and does it with a smile. Whether it is greeting guests as they enter for a PTA meeting, hosting parent trainings, or running around the school during events to make sure everything is running smoothly, you can always find Sarah there.”

Sarah works with Kirsten to manage the budgets. She runs the budget reports every month and then reviews them for errors, a task that is not typical in this role. However, it is a necessity at FECC and Sarah doesn’t mind helping wherever she can. This includes being dubbed the building's go-to IT person, as she is so knowledgeable and willing to help when technical errors occur.

During COVID, she oversaw the ordering materials related to three different state grants and Head Start grants, which is an extensive amount of tracking.

“So many of these things are above and beyond what a traditional school secretary does and she takes them on with a positive attitude and is engaged in learning more,” said Kirsten. “It's always ‘how I can help, what can I do.’ She takes pride in all she does being such an integral support to many.”

On top of handling all that comes with being an FECC Office Clerk, Sarah often works with the District Nurses. Sarah is a certified CPR/First Aid trainer. She travels to various schools throughout the District with one of the nurses to train staff members on how to keep students safe.

Sarah not only provides exceptional work for FPS, but she also is an excellent community member and even works part time for the City of Farmington Hills, as well. Sarah is the face of teaching babysitting classes for the FPS young adult students. She also works the Daddy/Daughter dance, where students are always excited to see her out in the community.

There were many words used to describe Sarah including smart, intuitive, dependable, caring, enthusiastic, dedicated,and thoughtful. Sarah consistently demonstrates how dependable she is for her fellow staff members, and the FECC families. Her work ethic, and genuine care for her bundling, students, and families, is not something you see every day.

“Seeing day-in and day-out the number of staff and parents that seek Sarah out for knowledge and support, as well as myself, she is a true asset for FPS,” said Kirsten Cicchella. She makes FECC and FPS a better place, which is why she was named the 2023/2024 Farmington Public Schools’ Support Person of the Year.”

Congratulations, Sarah! Thank you for all that you do for our District!

It’s time to get your FPS apparel! Browse our FPS store for hoodies, sweaters, polos, button downs, and more! The store will be open until Friday, April 19, 2024. Orders will process after the store closes which will take about two weeks. All items will be available for pick-up at Central Office when they are ready.

Shop here: https://farmingtonpublicschools.orderpromos.com/

Get Excited for the Solar Eclipse

On Monday, April 8, our school community will have the chance to witness a solar eclipse, providing a valuable and engaging educational experience for our students. The solar eclipse is projected to begin around 2 p.m. and reach maximum coverage at 3:14 p.m. The final partial eclipse will conclude around 4:30 p.m. The next solar eclipse here in Farmington Hills won't be until 2048, so this will be an exciting moment!

We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance your lessons and share the wonders of science with your classes.

To ensure the safety of our students and staff during the eclipse, we will be distributing solar glasses to all students and staff. It is crucial that you emphasize to your students the importance of not looking directly at the sun without these glasses. Thanks for your diligence in ensuring a safe and educational environment for our students during this event.

In preparation for the solar eclipse, we have compiled a couple of educational resources about eclipses that you can incorporate into your lessons. To understand more about the details of a solar eclipse, please view this video. If you would like to create a solar viewer, please see this document on how to create a pinhole projector for eclipse viewing.Our Farmington families will receive a communication about the eclipse as well.

We are confident that this experience will not only be visually captivating but will also contribute to our students' understanding of the natural world. Thank you for your cooperation in making this a memorable and safe educational moment for all.

Judy White-Ora “Teaching with Heart and Soul” Award nominations due Friday, April 26

Farmington Public Schools is requesting nominations for the 15th annual recognition for teachers called the Judy White-Ora “Teaching with Heart and Soul” Award. This recognition program is in honor of the District’s former Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Judy White-Ora, who dedicated her life to the pursuit of excellence in education. Her “Teaching with Heart and Soul” pledge was created to inspire teachers to reach out to students in unique and creative ways. The nominee for the award must exemplify the six tenants of her pledge:

Respects the uniqueness of each child.

Ignites the joy of learning.

Listens to the child’s voice.

Puts human connections first.

Encourages the spirit of each child and lets their light shine.

Creates a caring environment.

Past Judy White-Ora “Teaching with Heart and Soul” award winners include: Greg Drozdowski, Kim Zell, Marian Orihel, Vitas Underys, Maria Blanco, Pam Gutierraz, Nikki Schueller, Ann Marie Robinson, Hatty Ligon, Nancy Morris, Elyse Jahnke, Patricia Pomaranski, Julie Folkert, MaryBeth SiKora, Greg Drozdowski, Kim Zell, Kathy Koperski, Kyle Kurtis, Carol McGorsick, and Kimmi Dukes.

Nominees must be teachers with at least three years teaching experience and members of the Farmington Education Association (FEA). Nomination forms can be found at https://bit.ly/3ST7O75. The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 26, 2024. The selected candidate will be recognized at the Tuesday, June 4, 2024 Board of Education Meeting.

If you have questions regarding this award, please contact School/Community Relations at 248.489.3349.

April 1-5 is National Assistant Principals Week! We are so grateful for all of our amazing Assistant Principals across the District! Thank you for all the amazing work you do. Make sure you stop by your Assistant Principal's office and tell them how wonderful they are!

Sharing news or pictures from our District?

Use our hashtag: #FPSSuccess!

Share Your News!

We would love to hear about your newsworthy events and activities including awards, honors, and accomplishments. Help us share your success stories in art, music, scholastics, athletics, drama, debate, CTE, IB, and more. We look forward to sharing your news!

Fill out the News Tip Form, HERE.

We are SO proud of each and every one of our schools for the work they do and our community NEEDS to see it. We would love to highlight your events, projects, experiments, games, clubs, recess, and students overall.

Please send photos you take to diane.bauman@fpsk12.net or courtney.ohara@fpsk12.net so we can share them out on social media.

Want us to come take photos for your events? We can!